Music Extra-Curricular

MUSIC DEPARTMENT EVENTS CALENDER

Our extensive Music events calendar is accessed via the AndIE.

BANDS, ENSEMBLES & CHOIRS

All those who learn an orchestral instrument are encouraged to join an appropriate ensemble. Most musicians will be in more than one ensemble allowing them to gain experience with different music, styles and instrumental combinations. Our Choirs rehearse regularly and are involved in concerts and festivals during the school year. The year level bands rehearse during the school day, the Concert Band, Big Band (Jazz), String Ensemble, String Ensemble and Percussion rehearse after or before school. We also have several smaller ensembles that run throughout the week at lunchtimes. The ensembles give regular concerts both in school and in the community. Community and charity work is at the heart of what we do.

CONCERTS & FESTIVALS

There are regular concerts and frequent informal concerts given by students, joint productions with local community organisations, partnerships with community music organisations and strong ties with The Gift of Music, Cairns.

In 2015 Head of Department - Music, Ms Maureen Cameron spearheaded the production of ANZAC Reflections honouring the ANZAC Centenary commemorating the landing of Australian and New Zealand forces in Anzac Cove in 1915. 

From this, The Gift of Music, Cairns was born. In partnership with St Andrew’s Catholic College, together we provide performance opportunities at some of the best venues in Cairns. We invite schools and community organisations to join us once a year to raise funds for those who need help at that time. Part of this charity work has been three concerts at ‘The Tanks’, concerts at All Saints’ theatre, St Monica’s Cathedral and Civic Theatre  involving school and community ensembles and choirs from across the region. All profits from the appeals go directly to those that need it: Rosies - Friends on the Street, St Vincent de Paul and Friends of Himalayan Children, RSL, Cairns, Cairns Historical Society and many more.

The Gift of Music Cairns and St Andrew’s Catholic College are very proud of everything achieved as a team. Community means everything to us.

MASTERCLASSES

Each year, a number of professional masterclass days are organised by the St Andrew's Catholic College Music Department. Professional musicians perform for students at the College, and conduct instructive and educational sessions for the instrumental and vocal students at the school. Master Classes have included Russell Grey (UK), Lyn Williams OAM(Gondwana Choir),  Phillip Green (UK), Pennsylvania Wind Ensemble (USA), Brett Baker (UK), Southern Cross soloists (Au), Mark Walton, Annie Mitchell, Peter Axenford (Au), James Morrison, John Morrison, Jacki Cooper, CQU Big Band musicians, Queensland Symphony Orchestra musicians, James Gourlay (USA). The list is growing and very impressive too!

STATE HONOURS PROGRAM

This well-respected program brings together the finest young musicians, under the tutelage of a team of eminent international and national conductors, in a world-class environment. Its pursuit of excellence defines it as the highest quality performance avenue available to young ensemble-based instrumentalists outside of the Queensland Conservatorium and the Young Conservatorium.

INSTRUMENTAL LESSONS

All students who have instrumental lessons at the College join one of our Ensembles as soon as they learn the first 5 notes. All students are actively encouraged to sing in one of the many choirs and projects at the College. We are very proud of our growing musical tradition at St Andrew's and boasts some of the most highly regarded instrumental staff in the area and beyond.

ST ANDREW’S MUSIC COMMITTEE

Our Music Committee is a group of dedicated music parents who support St Andrew’s Catholic College Music Department through fund-raising and assisting at events. 

The duties of this committee include helping at concerts (setting up and running canteens and selling tickets) as well as helping out with Sponsored Playing Day, Young Musician of the Year and whatever else is required. The committee has also been successful in securing grants for the Music Department in the past.

Head of Music

Maureen Cameron

Assistant Head of Music

Leanne McIntyre

Chairperson

Linda Gordon

Secretary

Rachel Stein

Treasurer

Anne Oliver

Uniform Convenors

Rachel Stein, Kerry Newstead

Committee Members

Janelle Owens, Jodi Cox, Na Young Lee, Amanda Garven, Shani Meedeniya, Tanya Wingham